Para ice hockey: A day of training with Germany's Leopold Reimann

When the final buzzer sounded in Buffalo, USA, Germany’s Para ice hockey team celebrated something much bigger than beating Slovakia at the World Para Ice Hockey Championships.

For the first time in two decades, Germany had qualified for the Paralympic Winter Games, and just like their previous Games appearance, at Torino 2006, they were off to Italy again to compete on the biggest stage at Milano Cortina 2026.

”That day in Buffalo was unforgettable,” Germany forward Leopold Reimann said of the 5-2 win on 30 May 2025.

”The atmosphere in the rink and in our team was pure joy – it was the reward for so many months of hard work. When the final buzzer went, I remember feeling both relief and pride.”

The victory brought his team to fifth place in the tournament, equaling Germany’s best-ever World Championship A-Pool result, with a ticket to Milano Cortina 2026 as their big reward.

”It was a dream come true,” Reimann said.

”Every athlete wants to represent their country at the Paralympics, so qualifying was very emotional for me. For the team, it showed that our development is on the right track and gave us a big motivation to keep pushing.”

Back to the Paralympic ice

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, which take place from 6-15 March, will feature eight Para ice hockey teams. Buffalo 2025 world champions USA, hosts Italy, Canada, China, Czechia, Germany, Japan and Slovakia will gun for the podium at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

Last spring in Buffalo, Germany had lost two of three group stage matches, but the team sealed an overtime win against the Republic of Korea to finish third out of four teams, before beating Slovakia in the do-or-die qualification playoff.

”I think it came down to discipline, team spirit, and believing in each other,” Reimann said. ”We may not always have the biggest squad, but we work hard and play as a unit. That collective effort was the difference.”

Last year, the team had taken an important leap forward, reaching second place in the World Para Ice Hockey Championships B-Pool in Skien, Norway, to qualify for the A-Pool tournament. 

Coming into that tournament, Germany’s focus had been far from medals or the Paralympic Winter Games.

”Our main goal was to show progress and play consistent hockey. We didn’t put too much pressure on ourselves to reach the final, but as we gained momentum, we started to believe,” Reimann said. 

”I think we came away with silver because we stuck to our plan and trusted each other.” 

A day in the life of a Paralympian 

Consistency is also key when it comes to the preparations ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Reimann, who plays for club team HC Sparta Prague, usually wakes up at around 8am. 

His day starts with some light stretching and a 30km bike ride, before he cooks breakfast and starts working. Reimann's everyday life is a balancing act between training, rest and his job as a commercial project manager. The training part is usually split between ice sessions, gym and endurance. 

”With the national team, we focus on tactics and team play, while with my club I also work on individual skills. I also train on my own, whether it’s cardio, stickhandling, or watching videos,” Reimann said. 

Around midday, he goes to the gym for a strength session. 

”In the afternoon, I go back home, have lunch and do some more work. I also love to go for walks with my Dachshund to clear my mind,” Reimann said. 

”It’s important for me to have something away from the rink. It keeps me balanced and gives me energy for training.” 

Preparing for the pressure

Mental training also plays a big part as Reimann and his teammates prepare for the tournament of their lives. 

”Mental strength is very important in Para ice hockey,” he said. 

”I try to work on focus, visualisation, and staying calm under pressure. Sometimes I work with a sports psychologist, but also simple routines like meditation or breathing exercises help me.” 

In the evening, he usually has a team training session on ice. 

”Afterwards, I often go to physiotherapy or to the sauna to recover. Then I have dinner, relax a bit, and go to bed around 23:00 to get ready for the next day,” he said. ”In the evenings I also like to spend time with family or friends, and sometimes review videos or do recovery routines. The rest is also part of the training.” 

From the water to the ice

Reimann started out as a Para rower in 2014 and continued with the summer sport until 2023.

”I competed in many national regattas, became German champion several times, and also took part in many international competitions,” he said.

”I tried to qualify for the Paralympic Games three times, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. Towards the end, I felt that the opportunities in rowing were limited for me, so I decided to switch to Para ice hockey. It gave me a new challenge and a fresh motivation.”

As he made the ultimate switch from boat to sled, there were several benefits from his previous sporting experience.

”The physical and mental aspects I developed through rowing – like endurance, strength, and discipline – definitely helped me to become a better Para ice hockey player,” Reimann said.

One year ago, he changed club sides, from German Para-Eishockey Club Berlin to Sparta Prague in Czechia.

”I wanted to challenge myself in a stronger environment. The level of hockey there is very high, and I knew it would help me improve,” Reimann said.

”It’s been a great experience. I’ve become a better player thanks to tougher competition and professional training conditions. Off the ice, it has also taught me independence and adaptability.” 

Bringing the best of 'us' to Milan

Since qualifying for the Paralympics, Reimann and his teammates have been preparing to take the spotlight on the biggest stage. 

”The intensity (of our training) has gone up because we know the Paralympics will demand the very best of us,” he said. 

”Our hope is to compete at the highest possible level and show that Germany is moving forward in Para ice hockey. Personally, I think about Milano Cortina a lot – almost every day. It’s the motivation behind every training session.” 

At last spring’s World Championship, Germany had players born between 1965 and 2007, each bringing something different to the table. 

”On the ice, my role is to create plays since I have good stamina and vision,” Reimann said. 

”In the locker room, I try to bring energy and support my teammates, whether it’s keeping the mood positive or helping younger players.” 

While thinking a great deal about Germany’s return to the Games, once again in Italy, the 28-year-old from Strausberg, 35km northeast of Berlin, keeps reminding himself that there is still plenty of work needed to be done. 

”I try to improve a little bit every day, not only physically but also mentally. The Paralympics are the highlight, but it’s really the daily work that will make the difference when the time comes.” 

Check out the Milano Cortina 2026 Para ice hockey competition schedule

Secure your tickets for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games  

Milano Cortina 2026, which takes place from 6-15 March 2026, is set to be the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games yet. Ticket prices start at EUR 10 for children under 14, with approximately 89 per cent of the tickets available for EUR 35 or less.

For more information, please visit tickets.milanocortina2026.org